Long form improv used to be Nutella of the performance world – a wonderful thing that few people knew about, and even if you did know about it you had to travel to a far-away land just to get some. Now you can find Nutella at the drug store, and “Chicago-style” improv is performed somewhere in the Triangle every weekend. Classes on long form aren't hard to find, either. The problem is that most of these classes give you just enough training to get you started as a performer. If you want to go beyond the basics you usually have to go to a far-away land again – in this case, Chicago or New York – which is too expensive and impractical for most of us.

In this eight-week course we’ll explore the main aspects of long form – show format, group mind, repeating elements, scenework and transitions. We’ll learn how each of these contributes to a successful piece. We’ll show you how to use these components to create your own new forms. We’ll also work on issues you may be having in your own performances. This is not just a theory class. We’ll play test what we talk about and create at least one piece together every week.

* If you’re a current performer who wants to gain a deeper understanding of long form, this is the class for you.* If you’ve only studied at one theater and want a fresh perspective, this class is for you.* And if you’ve thought you’d like to coach an improv team, or want to feel more confident as a coach, this class is for you, too.

Questions? Email Dan at dancehip@gmail.com

Download a registration form below. Simply email it back to dancehip@gmail.com, or if you prefer, mail to: Open Mind, 613 Thistlegate Tr., Raleigh, NC 27610.